[shoplink 52750 ebay]
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Image on top shows the [shoplink 52750 ebay]current G6[/shoplink].
Two trusted sources confirmed the new G7 that will be announced in may will feature the same GX7 16MP sensor.
Store links to the current G6: [shopcountry 52750]
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103 Responses
The GF7, GM1, GM5, GX7 (and perhaps GH4?) all use that sensor, so putting it in the G7 too is only logical. A new sensor will likely be introduced in a high-end model, either the GX8 or the GH5.
GH4 does not have the same sensor(it has better performance overall then GX7). But is was probably to expensive for the G7(pity…). Was hoping for a more still’s oriented camera with GH4 sensor: Slightly smaller, IBIS, losing high-end video options.
Don’t like the ergonomics of a GX7(especially the off center EVF and grip).
I have had the G6, and really liked the camera, but overall IQ of my E-M5 and later E-M1 was just better(also due to IBIS).
it’s not about price, look atv the Lx100, it’s the same sensor as gh4
It’s a pity that I already have the GX7!
I really like the ergonomics of the Panasonic G6 and the swivel screen.
Nice compact camera with good ergonomics for a lens like the 100-300mm.
Sell your GX7 & top up to get G7 if you really like the G series camera .
hell, why not get both 🙂
As predicted , GX7 sensor rule it again , and now in G7 .
I know to read Lumix’s mind .
The next GX confirmed will feature new generation sensor with higher MP , that is for sure .
Let’s wat & see if my guess is right again .
Big question: Will it also feature the GX7 in-body stabilization? After Sony finally noticed that it was a mistake to not include their stabilization technology in E-Mount cameras, Panasonic should take that as an advice…
That s not particularly exciting, & looking at DXO my old/dirt cheap Oly E-PL5 has even a better sensor.I could be tempted to get one of those new Blackmagic micro cinema paired with their so neat BM Video Assist, overkill but fun at least
Looking at DxO is always the first mistake.
Still not too bad, and it tells a general story, here, the G7’s sensor is going to be as good as a 3yo one (and could be inferior)
No, looking at DxO there is no significant difference at all between them. The differences are within the margin of error, which DxO has stated is 1/3 EV. You really should read up on DxO’s methodology and how to interpret their results.
even if it s similar to a 3 years old camera that cost $300, that s not very enticing for a new camera.Are they going to give it away ?
hopefully they ll make a difference with improved video codec
Really waiting for GX-8 RF style (I love it) but with bigger EVF, new 20MP sensor with 16DR, clean 6400iso, improved IBIS and bigger grip to place there shutter release button.
Exactly what GX7 successor need to improve in .
Let me add one more , whether sealed would make it even lovely .
That’s right. For me GX-7 is the best designed 4/3 cam. Needs some improvements – a little better palced buttons, top dial and control weel (higher). If GX-8 will have it, it will be a jewel RF styled 4/3. Fuji and Sony can lern from Panasonic GX – 4fn buttons, 3/C funcions, sillent mode, -4EV AF, etc.
All they need is to fit the GX7 into the same body of the Lumix LX100.
WIN.
Well Said .
You are truely a GX7 photographer .
Keep that on .
Would like to see GX-8 offered without an AA filter on the sensor. And IBIS available while shooting video.
Guys remember – when the GX7 came out it was the first to feature a brand new sensor in a while, so it’s not an old sensor just yet, not considering how often Oly and Panny reuse sensors.
In my own YOUniverse, I have no perspectives of the new buyers who will hardly ever get a brand new year and a half old body, if *I* don’t have my new sensor every 6 month or so, it is because Panasonic and Olympus are going in the wrong direction…
Am I being sarcastic enough…? 🙂
But, the question is why shell out for a new camera that’s no better than a three years old one.
You don’t? If you’ve already got something that fits the need, you don’t buy something else. If you’ve got a G5/6 and want the latest technology without the terrible form-factor of the GX-7, you get the G7.
Why do people struggle so hard with this concept? You don’t have to buy everything!
Agree, I have friends who sell their iPhone every 18 months just to get the newest. Why on earth? Wait till the old one breaks or can’t meet your needs 🙂
You can say the same thing about the EM5/EM5 mkII.
Perhaps too sarcastic? I’m not even sure what you’re saying 🙂
Just to clarify, I have no issue with sensors being recycled for 2-3 years. I don’t think it’s an issue if the G7 has the GX7 sensor – it’s a good one, the current top-of-the-line, production ready version. I wouldn’t expect to see a new sensor make its debut in a G model anyway.
I was actually agreeing with you; in other word, poking some fun at those that are ready for immolation for a new sensor tech 😉
Just like all other current M43 cameras and some obsolete ones, it has the same IQ as the 3 year old E-M5. Any difference is negligible. Yawn.
Well, there’s currently no other m43 camera that has a much better IQ than the E-M5. That’s just the facts. If you are waiting for the latest and greatest, the G series is simply not for you. In fact, it hasn’t been since the G2.
Yes , good idea .
But for me , I don’t have habit to keep 2 cameras with same sensor .
To many photographers, the sensor doesn’t even get any consideration when choosing a camera. They look at the ergonomics, features, focus performance and other things that they consider to be more important.
Also, what’s wrong with having a backup body with the same sensor as your main body?
Nice try, but Yun doesn’t speak that language…. For him yes, it’s all about sensors… 🙂
ORGANIC sensors.
There once was a time when cameras didn’t even have a sensor, and they still came out with new ones.
They had single use sensors, later on the sensors came on a convenient roll. They also had single use flashes back in the mists of time.
True, but these were (are) different products.
Nothing wrong at all, but honestly, if I was dedicated to shooting sports or live concerts only, I would go for a full-frame DLSR simply because of the lager sensor’s light-gathering advantages. But as I’m a hobbyist with only 4-8 paid jobs a year, I have the luxury of choosing a more compact and flexible M43 system.
Up to you. I’m guessing Yun – but you were already using a large DSLR
when you got your first M43? That would explain the 2-system choice.
If you want my perspective? I’m invested and dedicated to M43 only, because I don’t have the budget to invest in 2 systems. I use a GH4 and a GM1. The biggest and the smallest in the family. I find that practical and economic, because the lenses work on both while each camera has very different applications. GH4 for dedicated sessions, GM1 for casual shooting.
I usually carry one only. With the GM1 I usually only carry one lens (Panasonic Leica 25mm f1.4, the kit 12-32 or Olympus 75mm f1.8)
With the GH4 I usually have 4-5 lenses with me at all times – big camera, might as well have a stocked camera bag. When filming video I also have the GM1 as a stationary cam, but I mostly do stills.
I really do not know where panasonic is heading with mft… The good ones are far too big (GH4) and the small ones are not that good. If I were panasonic I would only create rather small m43 cameras with features like the gh4. Otherwise one is better off with a apc camera since it is much cheaper and not bigger! That’s why I have stopped using m43 cameras and bought myself a fullframe. My girlfriend still uses the GH2 which is nice actually but in the future if panasonic nor olympus will not build gf7 like cameras with full features of the gh4 i will not buy any m43 camera any more. I mean the good old gf1 is also a nice camera for my girfriend at school instead of a stupid cheap camera. She uses it a lot and likes it for this stuff. Build small good cheap cameras! The price of a GH4 is more than ridiculous imho! Can anyone tell me why a pro should use a GH4 for making 4k movies? Pros use much bigger cameras with external monitors … and btw. If you make a movie the camera gear is the smallest problem to carry around.
“… better off with a apc camera since it is much cheaper and not bigger!”.
Panasonic isn’t the only M43 camera;
D3200 – $449, EPL6 – $299.
E-PL6 is a great camera, nice sensor (probably better than this “G7”) but stupid menus & awful videos codec
You say a lot of things that do not make sense at all:
— “Pros use much bigger camera’s with external monitors” Pro’s can and do use the GH4 with external monitors for a fraction of the price of alternatives. Price/video quality and feature-set of the GH4 is off the scale. It’s a bargain comparing it to some alternatives.
— “Otherwise one is better off with a apc camera since it is much cheaper and not bigger!” Why should a mirrorless body be small of cheap to make any sense? I want a decent grip on my camera(but that personal). Lenses however I want compact, high IQ, and not to heavy. That is where m43 shines. The best APS-C camera’s hardly have noticeable IQ advantages, and if you want weather sealing they also aren’t cheaper.
That being said, I’m also disappointed in the G7. It you do mainly stills, there is no good reason to buy the G7 over for example an E-M10(with grip) of Sony A6000(with grip) if these rumors are true. If you do video, you really want the GH4 or GH3(if you don’t have the money).
It’s a purposely crippled camera, and I do not like that whole concept.
Sadly, Olympus hints going in the same direction. (ie dropping a fully featured pen.)
Seriously? I really hope this is wrong.
I have a G5 and I’ve been waiting for a while for a better replacement – I didn’t think the G6 was a big enough step forward. I’ve been using cameras with fully articulated screens since the Powershot A80 in 2003 so the GX7 didn’t cut it for me.
The GX7’s sensor was interesting two years ago but it’s not good enough for a camera of the same size and form factor as the EM5 II. Even if it has IBIS I can’t see myself buying a G7 with that sensor.
Haven’t they learned from the G6? It didn’t sell well because it wasn’t good enough, and Olympus didn’t have a SLR style camera back then (the EM5 was announced two months later).
I believe the E-M5 came out just before the G5. I think the G6 was a poor seller partly because of its slightly quirky style, but mainly that it was announced less than a year after the successful G5 and really no improvement. Personally awaiting GX8 to replace my G5.
You’re right, I misread the date somewhere.
What you are saying makes no sense … you want an upgrade from the G5, and the GX7 sensor is an upgrade, whether it is in a camera from this year or from last year. With the same logic, the E-M5 MkII is also not good enough for you, because it has the same sensor as the E-M5 MkI.
By the way, please show me the m43 (or even APS-C) sensor that has made this giant leap that you want, and which has been released in the last 1 1/2 years (because the GX7 sensor isn’t even 2 years old).
I think you’ve missed my point. I’ll state it explicitly.
The G6 is indeed an upgrade over the G5. It’s just not worth buying if you already have a G5 – unless you have a lot more money than I do.
A G7 with a GX7 sensor would be an upgrade over the G6. From what we know so far, it’s probably not a compelling upgrade. If I dropped my G5 from an upstairs window I’d probably buy a G7 to replace it.
If I had a E-M5 mk I, I probably wouldn’t consider the E-M5 mk II to be worth buying. Since I actually have a G5, I’m considering buying a mk II.
I didn’t ask for a giant leap, those are your words, not mine. The GX7 sensor isn’t 2 years old yet, but it may well be by the time the G7 is on sale. It hasn’t even been announced yet after all.
You seem to have failed to grasp that I was talking about two different subjects. Partly what I would like to see, and partly how I think the market will react. I didn’t think I needed to explain everything in agonising detail, but then I didn’t expect such a combative response either.
“The GX7’s sensor was interesting two years ago but it’s not good enough for a camera of the same size and form factor as the EM5 II.”
Wait, WHAT?
The GX7 sensor is newer than the Olympus one, and it’s not even the same size, nor form factor As the EM5.
But it’s what you’re going to use it for. If for stills, the Olympus slightly edges it because of ibis, otherwise, all recent M43 cameras images are very similar IQ wise. Video is where M43 separates. Olympus can’t hang, no matter how steady Ibis keeps the footage.
This is not exactly a surprise. IBIS, 4K and DFD are the big questions.
I don’t think Panny like to sell G7 a lot. G7 must have something new or better function than GH4 except for movie.
I dunno if you’ve met the GH4, there’s very little it cannot do. Think of something you want to do with a camera and it can do it.
The G7 will be smaller than the GH4 so less will fit inside, it cannot have as many processors for a start, nor the massive heat sink to kill noise.
Expect the G7 to be more like the E-M5ii but with less noise at high ISO and a logical menu system.
Another new Panasonic with warmed over behind the curve tech. but looking at how Panasonic have operated I can’t say I’m surprised, disappointed but not surprised – if this spec is true.
Is there any reason a stills shooter would consider this camera? I can’t see a reason myself. Boring boring behind the curve Panasonic… in a few months this camera will be heavily discounted and I suppose it’ll be a bargain but it’ll never be exciting or top of the line.
Lots of stills shooters use the GX7 and all of the other current m4/3 models. So why wouldn’t the G7 suffice for stills photography? If you care about photography as opposed to owning the latest technology, then you don’t need a camera that is “exciting or top of the line”.
Makes sense, especially if it has IBIS too. No 4K – makes sense too as if you are going to actually use 4K video a GH4 is your appropriate tool. Plus using the GX7 sensor puts some distance between the G7 and the GX-8. The GX7 sensor is very very good IMHO
How do you know it doesn’t have 4k? The LX100 has it, and it uses the same sensor.
In a world where cameras like the NX500 exist for $700 with a lens that has a great sensor and 4K recording capability, there is no room for Panasonic’s warmed over G7. I cannot believe they aren’t putting in the GH4 sensor. Enjoy selling these at $500 or below in the fire-sale one year from now.
They already put the GH4 sensor in the LX100, so we can’t act like they are hording all of the technology for the top.
The GH4 sensor is negligibly different from the GX7’s. I suspect any minute differences in image quality are a direct result of the additional thermal overhead the GH4 has for coping with 4K readout.
The NX500 is interesting, but the lack of any sort of EVF (accessory or otherwise) and worse ergonomics will put off a lot of people. The NX500 is cool, but a disappointing waste of potential – it could have been amazing like an APS-C GX7 with 4K (albeit despite its agressive 2.4x crop factor). Instead it’s kind of a warmed-over NX300. It sort of plays in a different category.
There are compromises with all cameras. The compromise choosing the NX500 is the lack of available prime lenses and no EVF. This G7’s compromise is, its using older m43’s sensor tech and not the best of what is actually available today, likely not as good of burst shooting, and no 4K/UHD mode. The point is, Panasonic could have removed some of the compromises on that list to give a more compelling reason for someone to choose it over cameras like the NX500, Sony A6000, and even an E-M5 II. Unless Panasonic prices it agressively (which, the G6 retailed for about $1,000. The NX500 is $700 and the A6000 is $700), it will receive a very lukewarm response which is something I don’t want to happen with any of the new m43’s products.
The GH4 and GX7 use the same sensor, as do the GF7, GM1 and GM5, so putting it in the G7 means that Panasonic uses their latest and best sensor in all models. Olympus also uses it in the E-M1, although with on-sensor PDAF. If you want a newer 4/3″ sensor, then you just have to wait for the GX8 or GH5.
I’m amazed at all the people demanding GH4 features in the G price range.
I’m happy with the GX7 sensor.
I’d like to see higher flash-sync speed (GX7: 1/250, G6: 1/160); but also I liked the look of the GM1 electronic shutter being able to go so fast. The G5 is effectively 1/10 which means you get some weird rolling effects.
Being able to use a flash in bright conditions (fill etc), and the silent shutter out in the street would be awesome.
That what the G6 was about, 2 years ago, a cheaper GH with less advanced menus. There is no need to release a old camera.
The G6 has the sensor of the GH2,
The GX7 sensor is much better.
I can only speak for myself here, the GH2’s sensor still is good enough for me.
I just find sensor tech to be over-valued compared to the rest of the camera. To me, it’s now a total package that I look at : responsiveness, handling, feature richness, build quality, auto focus, video specs, etc.
Sure a new sensor is sweet, of course. But it has become far from *the* thing I look at first.
I own both. A GH2 and a GX7.
The GX7 has MUCH better image and video quality than the GH2.
MUCH!
I’d be happy to pop the GX7 sensor into the GH2!
The GH2 sensor is used in the G5 and G6.
The GX7 does not have much better IQ than the G5, in fact they’re about the same or the G5 is slightly better. The IQ of the G5 is ever-so slightly better than the G6. At high ISO the GX7 is a little more noisy than the G5; that’s up at ISO levels we don’t often use.
Being picky perhaps but true.
DxOMark says the G5 is 0.1% better than the G6, while G6 has better high ISO (possibly due to engine) 🙂 but the GX7 scores better than both.
http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-GX7-versus-Panasonic-LUMIX-DMC-G6-versus-Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-G5___901_875_816
Have you got the GX7 and the G5 and the G6?
The GX7 has a slightly higher noise floor which it has to compensate for, it does pretty well but the G-series will beat it at high ISO. At low ISO there is little to chose between them, like 0.1%. I often take pictures in low light on a fast shutter, I need to use higher ISO numbers with acceptable noise; I can’t use the GX7 for that.
DXO only test one sample item but you cannot get relevant results without a sample size of at least six or outliers cannot be identified. I’ve been accredited to ISO/IEC17025 cal and test.
The GX7 noise has two causes both due to the moving sensor, 1) such movement always creates microphonic electrical noise, 2) the sensor is not bonded to a heat sink which not only removes heat but grounds the sensor and thus reduces electronic noise. Olympus are no better, the E-M5ii is even noisier than the GX7 at high ISO.
Imaging-resource and DPreview comparison tools tell another story, not to say DxO. Maybe was you that got a ‘bad’ GX7? Cause you are suggesting GX7’s new sensor was a step-back.
“I need to use higher ISO numbers with acceptable noise; I can’t use the GX7 for that.”
But with the G5/G6 you can…? Really, very intriguing,,,
So for best IQ, you would recommend a G5 over a GX7?
The GX7 is noticeably better than the G5 at high ISO and it’s very clean at low ISO too. The G5’s upper useful limit when I had one was ISO1600. The GX7 is ISO3200 and even 6400 with careful exposure and processing. It’s been shown by enough people now that IBIS has little or no effect on noise levels either. Most of the heat in the camera comes from the processor(s) anyway.
The GX7 also has far better colour fidelity, especially as the ISO increases, plus better dynamic range – the highlights are harder to blow out than with the G5, which also has worse DR and noise than the Sony sensor models from either Panny or Olympus ( I have an Olympus too and, while the IQ is similar to the GX7 at any given ISO, the colours are better from the Panasonic – more realistic)
I’ve also owned a GH2 and when I compared it to the G5 (using RAW) the noise levels were quite similar but the colours more natural from the G5, which was probably down to improved processing. Neither are as good as the GX7 at any ISO though.
Good to read that, that’s my feeling too. I’ve chosen the GX7 over the G6 because of more advanced features, although I prefer the G6’s form factor. Now I’m very happy with my choice, I can shoot up to 3200iso with very acceptable results. I was intrigued by jefrs comment, who apparently has the three models, but no way the available comparison tools show that. Maybe he could show us some exemples. That said I’m a potencial buyer of the new G7.
No I don’t own any of those models. I have to rely on reviews and tests, such as Preview and DxO Mark, which are both very thorough.
GX7 has significantly better IQ and easily so. I have used GH2 and EPL5 and GH4, the jump from GH2 to EPL5 means somewhat better noise, much better dynamic range, much nicer colours with better tonaility. From EPL5 to GH4 is a much smaller step up though, but still everything looks nicer still…
I am not questioning that the GX7 is better, or for that matter, the latest RED..
I own the GH2 and -at least for me- it still is good enough.
Flash sync on the GM1 is 1/50.
Don’t get your hopes too high for the electronic shutter, I don’t like the results much. For most shooters it’s ok, but I do a lot of HDR and it’s no good for that But at least the mechanical shutter on the G7 will go way higher/faster than the GM1 can, so unless you manually engage electronic, you won’t have to use it as much as GM1 owners have to.
Why didn’t they do this a year ago?
Best guess: Strategy, marketing, budgets, timing, all of the above 🙂 I was hoping for it too, had to get a GH4 instead as my G2 was showing its age (12mp, bad ISO noise, slow FPS, no focus peaking) I did consider the G6 but I wasn’t happy with the sensor being at the end of its production cycle, already the GX7 was out and showing much better results. So if anyone else did what I did, I’d say Panasonic made some money by waiting.
So what is it that you exactly want, a medium format sensor with global shutter in a package no bigger than a pack of cigarettes for around $500? You probably don’t even use the capabilities of the camera you have! Look at the excellent work this guy does, WITH A G6!!!
https://youtu.be/pi1YsPTa220
Everyone is complaining about what the G7 should be, when they can’t even produce results like these with a Red 4K.
It’s funny how no one commented on your comment on the video. Footage is top notch, which is why I picked up a G6 for video and will stick to my Fuji XE2 for stills.
I thought you meant a phone made by lg, if it exists. Panasonic G6, well no surprises there.
Sick reel. Really shows years old sensor tech can output amazing result. I too have been using G6 for video for more than a year. G series always kept the same formula, and people who buy them know the value of it. G series will always be a repackaged last year’s sensor with some added features. I am glad that Panasonic committed in G series. More options for consumers is always a good thing. Especially when they price it accordingly. They should maintain the small DSLR look.
Agreed. Also in Flickr the best M43 photo group right now is the GH2 one IMO- there’s a guy posting excellent portrait work non-stop with this body and a couple of cheap primes. People who talk smack of the G6 sensor should take a page from him… No shiny new toy will give you output of this quality, you need to have skill…
It will be largely ignored by the mediocre hobbyist who thinks that the pretty camera just released will improve his photography, but the handful of pros who love the G series will celebrate, snap it up, and continue to use the G series to produce fantastic work. It will be a trouble free workhorse well past 50k shutter actuations with no buttons falling off or electronic snafus. GG Panasonic.
Pros? Panasonic Gs? You must be kidding.
HERE COME THE FLOP
Panasonic now has the chance to take over the entire market from Canon, considering the sensor dot issue of the new Rebels.
Goliath has finally fallen!
Sensor and processor or only sensor? So no DFD ?
No one knows.
Had took up what DFD was. Chart I saw sort of implied DFD was much much faster than conventional contrast detect systems. In reality is this anything the average user will actually be able to detect?
Yeah. I have a GH4 and it’s DFD is lightning fast, even in very low light.
For real? What about the tracking AF?
ok,and now i interest about body design ,slr or retro or modern RF?
I think we can safely assume it will be a SLR style body.
Wow a ugly camera
I bet you own an iPhone
One year after GH4, and still nothing better from Panasonic. Not even rumored. The same old sensor in G7 again. Canonitis?
One year? Did you know how long Canon milked the shit out of that 18M pixel sensor before they came along with the 70D? They announced the 7D in 2009 and the last camera to use that sensor was the T5i IN 2013. 4 whole years of the same sensor. Can Panasonic get at least two years out of the GH4 before you demand new technology?
so it seem like they are going to keep the 4K with the GH4. the IBIS will be the GX thing so the G7 is going to be the camera you wanted in 2013 but you don’t need in 2015. in other words, if you buy the G7 you will buy an old camera with the word NEW attached to it.
the most funny thing will be if they will sale it only with the same kit lens as the G6. so, those who upgrade from G6 to G7 will have 2 of the same kit lens… somewhere in Japan an engineer is laughing.
Exactly: it is as still born as the G6 was. It is when the wrong guys tell those who know better what is in the best interest of the company I think. I have seen this so many times.
Sad but true.
T5i was not the last, T5 was about a year after that. But GH4 was not the first to use this sensor either, and in general, Panasonic sells 16 mix cameras since 2011 – you know, G3, GX1…
Canon also TOLD that these are brand new 18mpix sensors. At least they have added ODPDAF on the newer iterations of the same old stuff.
Introducing in 2015 a new camera with the same 16 mpix like it is 2011 – sounds like Canonitis to me. Especially if it does not have OSPDAF, IBIS, 4k… then you basically could pickup G3 and have practically the same thing.
That is incorrect. It is like saying the a7s is the same sensor as the d700 because both have 12 mp ff sensors. In reality the 16 mp gx7/gh4 is the best mft sensor to date. Easily superior to the 2011 mft sensors…Still…we need a 24 if not 30 mp mft sensor in uch a cam. Based on 1 inch sensors should give plenty of iq and with the right featureset in cam a very good marketing position.